Punk Rock Entrepreneur: Running a Business Without Losing Your Values

by Caroline Moore, Larry Livermore (Foreword)

Do you have an idea for something that you want to share with the world but don't know where to start? Want to make a living without selling your soul? Have a business plan but can't afford to buy anything up front? This book is for you. Punk Rock Entrepreneur is a guide to launching your own business using DIY methods that allow you to begin from wherever you are, right now. Caroline Moore talks (and illustrates!) you through the why and how of business operations that she learned over years booking bands, organizing fests, sleeping on couches, and making a little go a long way. Engaging stories and illustrations show you the ropes, from building a network and working distribution channels to the value of community and being authentic. With first hand accounts from touring bands and small business owners, this book gives you the inspiration and down-to-earth advice you'll need to get started working for yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really well written book for a certain perspective and a certain audience. I loved the anecdotes and seeing ideas I’ve felt written on paper. This book could be a great kick in the ass for someone looking to take the next step.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything always needs to be more Punk Rock, and Moore's book will show you how to do it. This book is packed with great, practical tips on how to figure out what you want and figure out how to make it happen - for any project. More importantly, Moore showcases the *attitude* for how to fight and succeed to make something that rocks, overcoming or punching through any obstacle in your way.

"Punk Rock Entrepreneur" is fast and easy to read - 120 pages but the book measures 6" x 6" so the pages are smaller. Moore's writing style is engaging, honest, and easy to follow. She backs up her points with stories from actual bands, events, and things in her life.

In short: this book rocks. You can apply the tips to your business; you can apply the tips to any project; you can apply the tips to life. 10/10.

[Andrea Janov · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just so happened to read this, as I am trying to take the time to figure out exactly what my next steps in life are. Moore's approach rang true, she articulated all of the lessons that I internalized from growing up a punk kid, yet never applied to my professional life. I will be giving this a reread after I do some internal exploration and goal setting.

[Maija Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Moore’s book has given me the audacity to start paving my road to self employment.

Moore crafts her writing as if she’s a friend giving a pep talk over coffee. Drawing from her experience of doing business in the punk rock scene and applying them to practical advice on how to run a business.

If you are looking at the dust jacket thinking this is going to be a business book with bullet points and that is what you’re looking for; this may not be the book for you. I certainly had the initial impression that it would be bullet point formatted when I took the quiz replacing the blurb. The only titles in the book are each chapter which threw me off for the first few chapters. Regardless of the format there is much to gain from Moore’s book.

Gratitude is the strongest emotion I am feeling towards Moore and everyone else who made this book possible. I’ve been aspiring to start a business for sometime feeling stuck in my hospitality career; while suffering from alcoholism. This is the first book I’ve read since going on 3 weeks clean. I’m inspired to stay sober and pursue my ideas in a focused manner.

[Lisa Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this little book, and it did not disappoint. It's a real tonic for anyone struggling to execute on their ideas to change the world (in small or big ways). Its simple, no-frill approach, and underlying bias to action (start now! start where you are!) is so refreshing in a world full of motivational entrepreneurial noise. If the subtitle - "running a business without losing your values" - grabs something in your gut like it did for me, I urge to get a copy of this book from the lovely Microcosm Press in Portland, Oregon, USA. It's available as an ebook too, so very accessible.

[Daniel Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is framed around the idea of starting a band as a business, and talks to its audience very much within this framework, the content of the book is aimed very much at anyone who wants to start a small business.

A lot of the advice is similar to what I've read in other small business and side hustle books, but spoken in a slightly different way, making it accessible to other audiences.

It isn't a huge book, and doesn't spend a lot of time explaining how to do things, but does provide a lot of inspiration, and helps you understand why you should do things.

[Emily Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical advice with lots of examples.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

much better than the heavily, marketed pabulum of business books.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging and personal; I wish I’d read this when I was 25.

[Leo Postovoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice for anyone who struggles with navigating the capitalist society we exist in, but needs to find clever ways to stay true to one's self. Would recommend!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short w loads of good advice.

[Marc]

Fantastic! A lot of great reminders that there isn't just one way to do business. Super funny and well written. I would recommend it to anyone starting or running a business.

[sanne]

I enjoyed the punk rock bits of this and all the anecdotes and quotes. however I'm definitely not the target demographic for this book (I'm not planning on starting a business any time soon or at all). I found the information to be very straightforward and I imagine it'll be helpful for those looking for advice on starting and running a business

[Ellen Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, would recommend to friends. Funny and insightful, excellent advice if you are considering a business.